Identification & Site Information

Vessel Name: Moira (often misspelled as “Moria”)

Year Built: 1850

Builder: Kingston Marine Railway Company

Location Built: Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Type: Propeller Steamer

Dimensions:

•Length: 129 feet (39.3 meters)

Location of Wreck: Near Salmon Point, Lake Ontario

Final Disposition: Wrecked near Salmon Point, Lake Ontario, during a snowstorm in November 1855

Vessel Type Description

The Moira was a Propeller Steamer, emblematic of the shift from sail to steam propulsion in the mid-19th century. Propeller steamers like the Moira played an essential role in the growing transportation networks of the Great Lakes, providing more reliable and faster shipping capabilities for goods and passengers. Constructed by the Kingston Marine Railway Company, the Moira represented the robust engineering of its time, built to withstand the demands of navigating the often treacherous Great Lakes waters.

History

The Moira was launched in 1850 by the Kingston Marine Railway Company, a significant shipbuilder in Kingston, Ontario. This vessel was designed to meet the increasing demand for reliable shipping on the Great Lakes, driven by the region’s economic expansion.

•Service Life:

The Moira primarily carried goods such as coal, grain, and general merchandise, linking key commercial ports across Lake Ontario. Its role was pivotal during a transformative period in maritime transportation, showcasing the advantages of steam-powered vessels over their wind-reliant predecessors.

•Final Voyage:

On November 28, 1855, the Moira encountered a severe snowstorm while navigating near Amherst Island, close to the Upper Gap. Carrying over 200 tons of merchandise, the vessel grounded near Salmon Point, just a mile from shore. Efforts to free the vessel proved futile, and the Moira was left stranded, eventually succumbing to the harsh conditions.

•Regional Impact:

The storm that claimed the Moira caused widespread maritime disruptions, with other vessels such as the schooners Mobile, New World, and Metcalfe also beached or stranded. This series of events underscored the dangers faced by mariners on Lake Ontario, especially during the volatile late autumn weather.

Final Disposition

•Date of Loss: November 28, 1855

•Cause of Loss: Grounded during a snowstorm

•Final Location: Near Salmon Point, Lake Ontario

Despite salvage attempts, the Moira was declared a Total Loss. The wreck was left to deteriorate, becoming part of the underwater cultural heritage of the Great Lakes.

Located By & Date

The wreck of the Moira was documented after its grounding in 1855. However, its precise coordinates have not been extensively charted or studied. The site near Salmon Point remains known to historians and maritime enthusiasts as a historical point of interest.

NOTMARs & Advisories

No specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) are issued for the Moira wreck site. However, mariners navigating near Salmon Point should exercise caution due to the region’s history of wrecks and challenging conditions, particularly during inclement weather.

Resources & Links

•Maritime History of the Great Lakes

•Great Lakes Ships Database

•Save Ontario Shipwrecks

Conclusion

The Moira’s history captures the essence of mid-19th century maritime commerce and the perils faced by Great Lakes mariners. Built to support the economic growth of the region, the vessel’s untimely loss near Salmon Point during a snowstorm in 1855 highlights the risks of early shipping and the power of the natural forces on the Great Lakes. Though the Moira has been lost to time, its story remains an enduring chapter in the maritime heritage of Lake Ontario.

Tags:

Moira shipwreck, Lake Ontario, 1855 maritime disaster, Propeller Steamer, Great Lakes history, Salmon Point wreck